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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Good vs Wrong list

The latest trial I as a mother am having is teaching Mason about agency. It's something that seems so simple. Keep God's commandments and you'll be blessed. Go against Heavenly Father laws and you won't be receive his blessings. But it's all your choice. But we pray you choose the right.

Autism is a very tricky factor in teaching Mason things. His autism works in absolutes. Black or white. Up or down. Full or empty. There's no in between. But in this society there's so much gray area that it's confusing...even to me. Don't lie but when someone asks you if they look cute in a certain shirt...Ummm- no comment! Hitting it not allowed but it's only allowed for parents to spank or in this movie. Stay true in faith which is something you can't see, smell, touch, or hear- you might be able to feel it but that's nothing tangible. Confusing huh?
Masons trouble is that he's wanting to be good and wants to follow Christ (and he really is a great kid) but doesn't know how. He'll just give up since he's unsure what to do for this invisible person. So he makes his choices...but mostly to chose to hit, lie, hit, yell, hit,....hit again.

So last night Mike and I had another conversation on what we could do to help Mason learn to choose the right. So I hit the internet and read dozens of articles then I went to lds.org and read something that made me cry.

“Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither . . . for I have compassion upon you.”

This really made me think....Am I being compassionate? Heavenly Father has given me a child who has taught me so much about patience, kindness, acceptance, and love.
So in reading all about how autism works in Mason's case the thought came to us to make a list. Mason is a very visual person. So having something tangible might help him know the difference.
So last night Mike and I made a list of Good and Wrong.

He can read it and self sort his choices. He'll still have his agency, something everyone has, but know he can see in Black & White what's a good choice and what's a mistake. I know this list is pretty vague and God has much more commandments than just dressing modestly but it's a good start.

This morning when he woke up he read through it several times and said he really liked this list. He said that he was confused on what good choices were. He thought that if he was playing with friends by tripping them it was still considered playing. Good to know that's what he thought. So I guess only time will show how much this list will help.

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This blog is our family journal. A journal filled with happiness, gratitude, love, life lessons, and pictures. After all photos are worth a thousand words. So here...on this blog..is where I will keep our family memories. You are more than welcome to share in this experience by leaving a comment. After all-you're part of the family :-)

“As our posterity read of our life’s experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted.- President Kimball, Dec. 1980

About Me

I grew up in the windy city of Chicago but now have planted my roots here in Utah. I am married to the most imperfect man named Mike. I love his flaws, his strenghts, his charm and his humor. We have 4 children who drive us crazy 60% but when that other 40% shows- MAN.... IT'S GREAT!